Hull FC are playing their part in supporting former Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow in his battle with Motor Neuron Disease, with £5 from every sale of their new, special edition Challenge Cup anniversary third shirt going to the Rob Burrow fund.
Everyone at the club, and across the Rugby League world, were devastated to hear of the sad news of Rob’s battle with MND back in December 2019, with the club committed to making a donation from every shirt sold, with the new commemorative jersey announced earlier this evening.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 2005 Challenge Cup Final between the Airlie Birds and the Rhinos, with Burrow, then just 22 years old, lining up on the opposition side as Hull claimed late glory at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
The Black & Whites originally planned for the jersey to feature at the 2020 Magic Weekend, with Hull schedule to face Burrow’s beloved Rhinos, with whom he won eight Super League title, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenges and League Leaders Shields a-piece, confirming his status as a legend of the modern-day game.
Hull will now wear the shirt in their upcoming Coral Challange Cup clash against Castleford Tigers on Sunday 13th September, live on the BBC.
Following the match, the Black & Whites will then auction off the playing jerseys worn by the first-team squad in the fixture, with all funds raised also going towards supporting Rob and his family.
Meanwhile, Jacuzzi® have also gone the extra mile in support of the Burrow family, providing them with a new hot tub at their family home.
Former Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis, who also lined up for Leeds that day in Cardiff alongside the two-time Harry Sunderland Trophy winner, commented on the legacy of his close-friend, and the gesture from the club following the release of the iconic shirt.
“The shirt design has become iconic for Hull FC fans given the great players who pulled on the shirt for the 2005 season,” he said.
“It was then cemented in Hull FC history with victory in the Challenge Cup Final played at Cardiff which was Hull FC’s first major trophy in the Super League era.
“That day I was on the opposing team playing for Leeds Rhinos alongside good friend and team mate Rob Burrow.
“While we would have both been disappointed after the final whistle, nothing could keep Rob down for long and he was always the one to put a smile on everyone’s faces, either with his relentless banter with Barrie McDermott and Keith Senior, or a practical joke at the expense of the team.
“It’s no surprise to me to see the courage and attitude he’s shown during these tough times for him and his family – he’s tackling it with everything that made him the great player he was and the great person he is; tough and resilient and with a smile on his face.
“It’s been fantastic to see the rugby league community get behind Rob since his diagnosis with MND as they so often do whenever they are called upon.
Ellis continued, “This is a fantastic gesture from our club. It’s an opportunity for Hull FC fans to celebrate a special day in Cardiff, but also support one of the games greatest ever players who shared the field that day. I am privileged to know him as a team mate, an opponent and a friend.”
Supporters can purchase the jersey online now at hullfcshop.com by clicking here, or from our Savile Street retail store from 10am on Friday 28th August.
STORY SPONSOR
